Method and apparatus for adjustable hitch

ABSTRACT

An adjustable hitch is provided. The adjustable hitch includes a hitch body operatively coupled to a mount whereupon a hitch ball may be coupled. A coupling assembly may pivotably couple the mount to the hitch body, wherein the coupling assembly facilitates movement of the mount, and thereby the hitch ball, between a first position and a second position with respect to the hitch body. The adjustable hitch may be releasably coupled to a hitch receiver tube that is coupled to a vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation application that claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/135,881, entitled Method and Apparatus forAdjustable Hitch (Attorney Docket No. 29587.2), filed Apr. 22, 2016; theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to hitches, and, in particular, to anadjustable mount of a hitch.

State of the Art

A hitch may be used to provide the connection between a trailer and atow vehicle that is to tow the trailer. However, prior to connecting anyparticular trailer behind any particular tow vehicle, there arecircumstances to consider. Obviously, not all tow vehicles are the same,nor are all trailers. It may be desirable for a particular towingvehicle to tow one particular trailer on a trip and a different traileron another trip. Moreover, it may be desirable to tow a particulartrailer with one particular vehicle on a trip and a different vehicle onanother trip.

Each of these vehicles and/or trailers may have different towingconfigurations. Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable hitch toaddress these concerns.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to hitches, and, in particular, to anadjustable ball mount of a hitch.

An aspect of the present disclosure includes an adjustable hitchcomprising: a hitch body; a mount; a first coupling member coupledbetween the hitch body and the mount; and a second coupling membercoupled between the hitch body and the mount, wherein the mounttransitions between a first position and a second position with respectto the hitch body.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an adjustable hitchcomprising: a hitch body; a mount; and a coupling assembly coupledbetween the hitch body and the mount, wherein the coupling assemblyfacilitates movement of the mount between a first position and a secondposition with respect to the hitch body.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an adjustable hitchcomprising: a hitch body; a mount; a first coupling pivotably coupled ata first end to the hitch body and at a second end to the mount; a secondcoupling pivotably coupled at a first end to the hitch body and at asecond end to the mount; a tongue extending from the mount and away fromthe first and second couplings, wherein a hitch ball releasably couplesto the tongue, wherein the hitch ball transitions in increments along anarcuate path between first and second positions with the second positionbeing elevated with respect to the first position.

The foregoing and other features, advantages, and construction of thepresent disclosure will be more readily apparent and fully appreciatedfrom the following more detailed description of the particularembodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference tothe following figures, wherein like designations denote like members:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of an adjustablehitch in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the illustrative embodiment of the adjustablehitch depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of theadjustable hitch depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of theadjustable hitch depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of the adjustablehitch depicted in solid lines in a lower-most elevated position and indashed lines in an upper-most elevated position in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of thedisclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way ofexemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures listedabove. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail,it should be understood that various changes and modifications may bemade without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scopeof the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number ofconstituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, therelative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as anexample of embodiments of the present disclosure.

As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, asused in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

The drawings depict illustrative embodiments of an adjustable hitch 10.These embodiments may each comprise various structural and functionalcomponents that complement one another to provide the uniquefunctionality and performance of the adjustable hitch 10, the particularstructure and function of which will be described in greater detailherein.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 depict illustrative embodiments ofan adjustable hitch 10. Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 maycomprise a hitch body 20, a mount 30, and a coupling assembly 40, amongother component parts thereof.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise a hitch body 20. Thehitch body 20 may be a substantially rigid member, capable ofwithstanding pressures and stresses exerted thereon without elasticdeformation. The hitch body 20 may be comprised, for example, of metals,steels, aluminums, metal alloys, or combinations thereof, or the likethat are capable of enduring the forces and pressures exerted during thetowing of trailers and the like behind vehicles. The hitch body 20 mayhave a first end 22 and a second end 24 and a length therebetween. Thebody 20 may be a solid member, or may alternatively be hollow.

Embodiments of the body 20 may further comprise an anchor member 26extending therefrom. The anchor member 26 may extend away from the body20, such as from the first end 22, for a predetermined length Lterminating at distal end 27. The anchor member 26 may also extend fromthe body 20 from alternative portions of the body 20, such as from thesecond end 24. Moreover, the anchor member 26 may extend in asubstantially orthogonal arrangement with the body 20. The anchor member26 may be a unitary piece with the body 20, but may alternatively be aseparate and distinct piece from the body 20 that is thereafter coupledto the body 20. The anchor member 26 may have a cross section thereofthat is square or rectangular shape. Moreover, the anchor member 26 maybe hollow.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the anchor member 26being of a size and shape to be inserted within a hitch receiving tubeor receptacle of a receiver-style hitch that is coupled to a vehicle.The anchor member 26 may be configured to be inserted within thereceptacle to a distance that allows the anchor member 26 to be securelyfastened to the receptacle. For example, the anchor member 26 maycomprise a fastener 28, such as an opening, in the length L thereof,which may correspond to an opening, gap, or other fastening means on thereceptacle that allows the anchor member 26 to be releasably fastened tothe receptacle, and thereby the vehicle. The anchor member 26 may be asubstantially rigid member, capable of withstanding pressures andstresses exerted thereon without elastic deformation. The anchor member26 may be comprised, for example, of metals, steels, aluminums, metalalloys, or combinations thereof, or the like that are capable ofenduring the forces and pressures exerted during the towing of trailersand the like behind vehicles. As such, the adjustable hitch 10 may becoupled to a vehicle by way of the anchor member 26 of the adjustablehitch 10 being releasably secured to the receiver-style hitch that iscoupled to the vehicle.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise a mount 30. Themount 30 may be a substantially rigid member, capable of withstandingpressures and stresses exerted thereon without elastic deformation. Themount 30 may be comprised, for example, of metals, steels, aluminums,metal alloys, or combinations thereof, or the like that are capable ofenduring the forces and pressures exerted during the towing of trailersand the like behind vehicles. The mount 30 may have a first end 32 and asecond end 34 and a length therebetween. The mount 30 may be a solidmember, or may alternatively be hollow.

Embodiments of the mount 30 may further comprise a tongue 36 extendingtherefrom. The tongue 36 may be a substantially rigid member, capable ofwithstanding pressures and stresses exerted thereon without elasticdeformation. The tongue 36 may be comprised, for example, of metals,steels, aluminums, metal alloys, or combinations thereof, or the likethat are capable of enduring the forces and pressures exerted during thetowing of trailers and the like behind vehicles. The tongue 36 mayextend away from the mount 30, such as from a midsection between thefirst end 32 and the second end 34, for a predetermined lengthterminating at distal end 37. The tongue 36 may also extend from themount 30 from alternative portions of the mount 30, such as from thefirst end 32 or from the second end 34. Moreover, the tongue 36 mayextend in a substantially orthogonal arrangement with the mount 30. Thetongue 36 may be a unitary piece with the mount 30, such that the tongue36 and the mount 30 may be considered a single piece, referred to solelyas the mount 30. In the alternative, the tongue 36 may be a separate anddistinct piece from the mount 30 that may thereafter be coupled to themount 30. The tongue 36 may have a cross section thereof that is squareor rectangular shape. Moreover, the tongue 36 may be hollow.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the tongue 36 beingof a size and shape to receive a hitch ball 80 thereon. For example, thetongue 36 may comprise a first face 33 and a second face 35, with a port38 extending therethrough. The port 38 may be an opening, gap, hole, orother reception feature that may permit the hitch ball 80 to fastenthereby to the tongue 36. The hitch ball 80 may comprise a threadedshank that may pass through the first side 33 of the port 38, such thata threaded nut may engage the threaded shank on the second side 35 ofthe port 38. The threaded nut may thereafter be threaded up the shankuntil the hitch ball 80 is securely fastened to the tongue 36 byfriction fit with the port 38. The port 38 may be configured with adiameter to receive any size of shank of a particular hitch ball 80,such that hitch balls 80 of various sizes may be coupled to the mount30, and thereby to the adjustable hitch 10. With a hitch ball 80securely attached to the mount 30, a trailer coupler of a trailer mayphysically engage the hitch ball 80 to couple the trailer to theadjustable hitch 10. With the adjustable hitch 10 also physicallyattached to the hitch receiver tube on a vehicle, the trailer may becoupled to the vehicle by way of the adjustable hitch 10 for the vehicleto tow, maneuver, and otherwise pull the trailer.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the hitch ball 80being coupled directly to the mount 30. The mount 30 may be configuredto receive thereon the hitch ball 80 and support the hitch ball 80 insuch a way that the hitch ball 80 is substantially orthogonal to thereceptacle of the receiver-type hitch coupled to the vehicle. Moreover,embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the hitch body 20being releasably coupled directly to the receptacle of the receiver-typehitch, such that the anchor member 26 of the hitch body 20 areconsidered a single unitary piece, referred to solely as the hitch body20.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise a coupling assembly40 that may permit the mount 30 to adjust relative to the hitch body 20.For example, the coupling assembly 40 may be pivotably coupled betweenthe hitch body 20 and the mount 30, so as to permit the mount 30 topivot, or otherwise rotate, with respect to the hitch body 20. As such,the mount 30, tongue 36, and hitch ball 80 may likewise pivot, orotherwise rotate, with respect to the hitch body 20. Such movementallows the hitch ball 80 to be placed at varied incremental elevationswith respect to the hitch body 20. Further, the coupling assembly 40 maybe configured to permit the hitch ball 80 to pivot, or otherwise rotate,with respect to the hitch body 20, in a non-linear path. For example,the coupling assembly 40 may be configured to permit the hitch ball 80to pivot, or otherwise rotate, with respect to the hitch body 20, in anarcuate path. By transitioning in an arcuate path, the hitch ball 80 maynot only be positioned at varied elevations with respect to the hitchbody 20 but may also be positioned at varied horizontal distances fromthe hitch body 20. In other words, as the hitch ball 80 traversesbetween the varied incremental elevations, with respect to the hitchbody 20, the hitch ball 80 may also traverse through varied horizontalincremental distances, with respect to the hitch body 20. The couplingassembly 40 may further be configured to permit the first face 33 of thetongue 36 to remain substantially parallel with the length L of theanchor member 26 as the mount 30 transitions between the varied verticalelevations and horizontal distances.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the couplingassembly 40 having a first coupling 50. The first coupling 50 may be asubstantially rigid member, capable of withstanding pressures andstresses exerted thereon without elastic deformation. The first coupling50 may be comprised, for example, of metals, steels, aluminums, metalalloys, or combinations thereof, or the like that are capable ofenduring the forces and pressures exerted during the towing of trailersand the like behind vehicles. The first coupling 50 may have a first end52 and a second end 54 with a length C₁ therebetween. The first coupling50 may be coupled to each of the hitch body 20 and the mount 30. Thefirst coupling 50 may be coupled between the hitch body 20 and the mount30. The first coupling 50 may be pivotably coupled to each of the hitchbody 20 and the mount 30. The first end 52 may be coupled to the hitchbody 20, such as, for example, at or near the second end 24 of the hitchbody 20. The second end 54 may be coupled to the mount 30, such as, forexample, at or near the second end 34 of the mount 30. The first end 52may be coupled to the hitch body 20 by a fastener 64, and, in likemanner, the second end 54 may be coupled to the mount 30 by a fastener64. The fastener 64 may be, for example, a bolt and nut fastener orother similar fastener that permits rotational motion or pivoting actionbetween the hitch body 20, the mount 30, and the first coupling 50. Withthe first coupling 50 pivotably coupled to each of the hitch body 20 andthe mount 30, the first coupling 50 may facilitate movement, transition,articulation, displacement, or rotational motion to the mount 30, withrespect to the hitch body 20, and vice versa.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the couplingassembly 40 having a second coupling 70. The second coupling 70 may be asubstantially rigid member, capable of withstanding pressures andstresses exerted thereon without elastic deformation. The secondcoupling 70 may be comprised, for example, of metals, steels, aluminums,metal alloys, or combinations thereof, or the like that are capable ofenduring the forces and pressures exerted during the towing of trailersand the like behind vehicles. The second coupling 70 may have a firstend 72 and a second end 74 with a length C₂ therebetween. The secondcoupling 70 may be coupled to each of the hitch body 20 and the mount30. The second coupling 70 may be coupled between the hitch body 20 andthe mount 30. The second coupling 70 may be pivotably coupled to each ofthe hitch body 20 and the mount 30. The first end 72 may be coupled tothe hitch body 20, such as, for example, at or near the second end 24 ofthe hitch body 20. The second end 74 may be coupled to the mount 30,such as, for example, at or near the second end 34 of the mount 30. Thefirst end 72 may be coupled to the hitch body 20 by a fastener 64, and,in like manner, the second end 74 may be coupled to the mount 30 by afastener 64. The fastener 64 may be, for example, a bolt and nutfastener or other similar fastener that permits rotational motion orpivoting action between the hitch body 20, the mount 30, and the secondcoupling 70. With the second coupling 70 pivotably coupled to each ofthe hitch body 20 and the mount 30, the second coupling 70 mayfacilitate movement, transition, articulation, displacement, orrotational motion to the mount 30, with respect to the hitch body 20,and vice versa.

With reference to FIG. 5, embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 maycomprise the first coupling 50 and the second coupling 70 facilitatingarticulation of the mount 30 with respect to the hitch body 20, or viceversa. For example, the mount 30 may be positioned at a first positionwhere the mount 30 is set at a lower-most elevation. By adjusting thefirst coupling 50 and the second coupling 70, the mount 30 mayarticulate, transition, or otherwise move with respect to the hitch body20 to a second position that is different than the first position. Thesecond position may be a position where the mount 30 is set at anupper-most elevation. The first and second positions may be defined,referenced, and/or measured with respect to one another, to a groundsurface on which the vehicle rests, to the hitch body 20, or to thereceiving tube of the receiver-style hitch on the vehicle.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the couplingassembly 40 allowing the mount 30 to be set at one or more positionsbetween the lower-most position and the upper-most position. Forexample, the coupling assembly 40 may be moved or adjusted until themount 30 is at a desired position between the first and secondpositions. At the desired position, coupling assembly 40 may be engaged,fixed, or otherwise secured to the hitch body 20 to prevent furthermovement of the mount 30. Moreover, the coupling assembly 40 may bemoved or adjusted to incremental positions with regard to the hitch body20, such that the mount 30, and thereby the hitch ball 80, maycorrespondingly move to incremental positions between the first andsecond positions. The couplings assembly 40 may allow the mount 30, andthereby the hitch ball 80 coupled thereto, to move in a non-linear pathbetween the first and second positions, inclusive. Accordingly, themount 30 of the adjustable hitch 10 may be adjusted upward for greatervertical elevation or downward for lesser vertical elevation withouthaving to remove the hitch 10 from the vehicle. Indeed, embodiments ofthe adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the mount 30 being verticallyadjustable above or below the relative elevation of the anchor member26, and thereby the receiver-style hitch to which the anchor member 26is coupled, without having to remove the hitch 10 from the vehicle.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the hitch ball 80transitioning and/or moving in a non-linear path, such as, for example,an arcuate path A, as exemplarily depicted in FIG. 5. As a result, notonly can the adjustable hitch 10 allow the hitch ball 80 to changeelevation, as described above, but it may also allow the hitch ball 80to change distance from the hitch body 20, and thereby change distancefrom the receiver-style hitch coupled to the vehicle. For example, inthe first position and/or the second position, the hitch ball 80 may bepositioned at a first distance D from the hitch body 20. But, as thehitch ball 80 transitions from the first or second positions in anarcuate path to an incremental position between the first and secondpositions, the hitch ball 80 may be positioned at a second distance D′,that is greater than the first distance D. The distances D and D′ may behorizontal distances that are substantially parallel with the length Lof the anchor member 26. The hitch ball 80 may move and transition inaccordance with the mount 30.

In addition to the foregoing distance adjustment, embodiments of theadjustable hitch 10 may comprise the coupling assembly 40 beingadjustable for additional distance and elevation. For example, thelengths C₁ and C₂ of the first coupling 50 and the second coupling 70,respectively, may be adjustable for length. Although not exemplarilydepicted, the first and second couplings, 50 and 70, may each beindividually adjustable for length by a sliding engagement withcomponent parts. In other words, the first and second couplings, 50 and70, may be comprised of component complementary parts that may slidablyengage one another in a middle region, or at least between opposingends, to adjust for length. The adjustable lengths, once adjusted to thedesired length, may be fastened or otherwise fixed to one another by oneor more fasteners 64 to rigidly secure the lengths C₁ and C₂. In thisway, the adjustable hitch 10 may be further customizable for distance D,and not only for distance D, but also for elevation change between thefirst and second positions or elevation with respect to the hitch body20. With a greater length, C₁ and C₂, the mount 30 is positioned furtheraway from the hitch body 20, which allows for greater elevation changebetween the first and second positions.

The ability of the adjustable hitch 10 to adjust for not only elevationbut also distance may provide additional benefits over conventionalhitches. For example, the adjustment for elevation may allow a user toutilize the same adjustable hitch 10 to pull trailers of varying heightsfrom the same vehicle or, similarly, to tow the same trailer fromdifferent vehicles of varying heights. The adjustable hitch 10 may allowa user to adjust for height discrepancies between the hitch ball and thetrailer coupler, such that the hitch ball 80 and the correspondingtrailer coupler may match elevations, or at least be proximate inelevation, to ensure a safe and efficient towing of the trailer on thehitch 10. In addition, the adjustment for horizontal distance, due tothe distance change between D and D′, for example, may allow a user toestablish a little more distance between the vehicle body and thetrailer body to provide a better turn radius between the vehicle and thetrailer. In particular, increasing the distance between the vehicle andthe trailer may provide a better turn radius for the vehicle with thetrailer attached thereto. The greater the distance, the greater the turnradius and the easier it may be to turn the trailer or even back thetrailer into a tight spot, because the trailer can achieve a greaterturn angle with respect to the vehicle.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise a positioner member56 that functions to secure the adjustable hitch 10 in any of its variedconfigurations. To secure the coupling assembly 40 to the hitch body 20in the first position, second position, or any of the incrementalpositions therebetween, one or both of the first coupling 50 and thesecond coupling 70 may have a positioner member 56 coupled thereto tointeract and engage the hitch body 20. The positioner member 56 may beintegral to either or both of the first coupling 50 and the secondcoupling 70 or may alternatively be a separate component coupledthereto. As depicted, a positioner member 56 may be integral with thefirst coupling 50, such that the first coupling 50 functions as thefirst coupling and the positioner 56. The positioner 56 may have one ormore holes 58 therein. The holes 58 may be a series of holes 58 set atincremental positions in the positioner 56. The holes 58 may beconfigured to run entirely through a width of the first coupling 50 sothat the holes 58 are bores. The number of holes 58 may be increased ordecreased depending on the number of incremental stops that are desiredbetween the first and second positions.

The holes 58 may be configured to correspond to and communicate with abore 23 in the hitch body 20. The bore 23 may be positioned in the hitchbody 20 between the first and second ends, 22 and 24, thereof. Further,the bore 23 may be positioned in the hitch body 20 at a midpoint betweenthe first and second ends, 22 and 24. Further still, the bore 23 may bepositioned at a midpoint between the pivot points where the firstcoupling 50 and second coupling 70, respectively, are pivotably coupledto the hitch body 20. The bore 23 may be centered with the holes 58,such that as the positioner 56 transitions or moves, the holes 58 passover the bore 23. In other words, the center of the bore 23 may bealigned with the center of each of the holes 58. In this way, a lockingmechanism 60 may be inserted through any one of the holes 58 and throughthe bore 23 to securely fasten the positioner 56, and thereby the firstcoupling 50, to the hitch body 20. The first coupling 50 is therebyfixed in place with respect to the hitch body 20, such that the mount 30and the hitch ball 80 are secured in their respective positions withrespect to the hitch body 20. If the elevation or distance of the hitchball 80 needs to be adjusted, the mechanism 60 may be removed and thepositioner 56 can be adjusted, such that a new hole 58 of the series ofholes 58 aligns with the bore 23. The locking mechanism 60 can bereinserted to lock the positioner 56 in the newly adjusted position, asdetermined by the user.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may be advantageous overconventional hitches not only with the adjustable vertical elevation andhorizontal distance, but additionally with regard to safety. Forexample, the adjustable hitch 10 may be configured to maintainengagement between the vehicle and the trailer even if the lockingmechanism 60 and/or the positioner 56 fail(s) to maintain the couplingassembly 40 in the desired position (i.e., vertical and/or horizontal)with respect to the hitch body 20, the coupling assembly 40 maynevertheless maintain functional engagement between the vehicle, thehitch 10, and the trailer. In other words, under the condition thelocking mechanism 60 and/or the positioner 56 fail(s) to function, thecoupling assembly 40 may maintain the coupling between the hitch body 20and the mount 30 and simply transition the mount 30 to the lower-most,base position, or first position and maintain functional and physicalengagement between the hitch ball 80 and the trailer coupler attachedthereto. As such, although the elevation may change between the vehicleand the trailer, due to the failing of the locking mechanism 60 and/orthe positioner 54 to cause the subsequent adjustment of the couplingassembly 40 to the first position, the trailer nevertheless remainsbehind and attached to the vehicle, by way of the adjustable hitch 10.The failing, disengagement, of malfunction of the adjustment means(i.e., the positioner 56 and/or the locking mechanism 60) does notresult in the adjustable hitch 10 failing to keep the trailer coupled tothe vehicle.

With reference again to FIGS. 3 and 4, embodiments of the adjustablehitch 10 may comprise the coupling assembly 40 having a pair of firstcouplings 50 pivotably coupled between the hitch body 20 and the mount30. For example, the coupling assembly 40 may comprise one firstcoupling 50 coupled to a side of the hitch body 20 and the mount 30 andanother first coupling 50 coupled to an opposing side of the hitch body20 and the mount 30, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. Providing a pair offirst couplings 50 on opposing sides of the adjustable hitch 10 mayprovide for greater strength and rigidity to the adjustable hitch 10.Similarly, embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise thecoupling assembly 40 having a pair of second couplings 70 pivotablycoupled between the hitch body 20 and the mount 30. For example, thecoupling assembly 40 may comprise one second coupling 70 coupled to aside of the hitch body 20 and the mount 30 and another second coupling70 coupled to an opposing side of the hitch body 20 and the mount 30, asdepicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. Providing a pair of second couplings 70 onopposing sides of the adjustable hitch 10 may provide for greaterstrength and rigidity to the adjustable hitch 10. In addition,embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the couplingassembly 40 having a pair of positioners 56. Having a pair ofcorresponding positioners 56 on opposing sides of the adjustable hitch10 may provide added strength and security to the particular position ofthe adjustable hitch 10. For example, with a pair of correspondingpositioners 56 on opposing sides of the adjustable hitch 10, the lockingmechanism 60 may engage both positioners to provide rigidity andsecurity to the particular position of the adjustable hitch 10. A pin 62may communicate with the locking mechanism 60 to ensure the lockingmechanism 60 does not disengage from the positioners 56.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise a spacer 88 toengage the pair of first couplings 50 or the pair of second couplings70. The spacer 88 may be configured to be placed in between the pair offirst couplings 50 or in between the pair of second couplings 70 tosecurely join the one first coupling 50 to the another first coupling 50or the one second coupling 70 to the another second coupling 70. Forexample, a fastener 64 may be engaged with the spacer 88 to secure thepair of first couplings 50 or second couplings 70 together. The spacer88 may be inserted between the pair of first couplings 50 or secondcouplings 70 and then the fastener 64, such as a threaded bolt, may beinserted, threaded, or otherwise introduced through one of the firstcouplings 50 or the second couplings 70 and into the spacer 88. Thefastener 64 may then protrude out of the spacer 88 and through theopposing first coupling 50 or second coupling 70. Thereby, a threadednut may be threaded onto the fastener 64 to fasten or otherwise tightenon the fastener 64 to secure the spacer 88 between the pair of firstcouplings 50 by friction fit. The spacer 88 may be a substantially rigidmember, capable of withstanding pressures and stresses exerted thereonwithout elastic deformation. The spacer 88 may be comprised, forexample, of metals, steels, aluminums, metal alloys, or combinationsthereof, or the like that are capable of enduring the forces andpressures exerted during the towing of trailers and the like behindvehicles.

Embodiments of the adjustable hitch 10 may comprise the hitch 10 beingstructurally and physically configured, according to the descriptionherein, to realize a tow rating of over 12,500 lbs. gross weight towingcapacity. Embodiments of the hitch 10 structurally and physicallyconfigured, according to the description herein, to realize a tow ratingof over 14,000 lbs. gross weight towing capacity. Embodiments of thehitch 10 may comprise an aluminum hitch having a 2″ hitch ball and a towrating over 12,500 lbs. Embodiments of the hitch 10 may comprise a steelhitch having a 2″ hitch ball and a tow rating over 12,500 lbs.

Including the disclosure of the structure and operation of theadjustable hitch 10 set forth above, embodiments of the hitch 10 maycomprise a method of operating a hitch and/or a method of coupling atrailer to a vehicle by way of a hitch. The method may compriseproviding an adjustable hitch and releasably coupling the adjustablehitch to a vehicle. The method may further comprise adjusting thevertical elevation of the adjustable hitch to correspond to a verticalelevation of the trailer coupler of the trailer. The method may furthercomprise releasably attaching the trailer coupler to the adjustablehitch and towing the trailer with the vehicle coupled thereto. Themethod may further comprise adjusting the horizontal distance betweenthe vehicle and the trailer by adjusting the adjustable hitch.

The method may further comprise adjusting the vertical elevation of theadjustable hitch by transitioning the hitch ball in a non-linear path.The method may further comprise adjusting the horizontal distancebetween the vehicle and the trailer by moving and/or transitioning thehitch ball in a non-linear path. The non-linear path may be an arcuatepath. The method may further comprise adjusting both the verticalelevation of the hitch ball and the horizontal distance between thevehicle and the trailer by adjusting and/or transitioning the hitch ballin an arcuate path.

The materials of construction of the hitch 10 and its various componentparts, including embodiments of the hitch body 20, the mount 30, and thecoupling assembly 40, may be formed of any of many different types ofmaterials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shapedobjects provided that the components selected are consistent with theintended operation of trailer hitches of the type disclosed herein. Forexample, and not limited thereto, the components may be formed of:rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses(such as fiberglass) carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combinationthereof, and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics(such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate,Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy,Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), anycombination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/orother like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper,iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel,aluminum, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys,such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy,any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitablematerial; and/or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, the components defining the above-described hitch 10 andits various component parts, including embodiments of the hitch body 20,the mount 30, and the coupling assembly 40, may be purchasedpre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled together.However, any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneouslyand integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these componentsseparately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuumforming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding,casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning,grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening,riveting, punching, plating, 3-D printing, and/or the like. If any ofthe components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupledwith one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, afastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/orthe like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example,depending on, among other considerations, the particular materialforming the components. Other possible steps might include sandblasting, polishing, powder coating, zinc plating, anodizing, hardanodizing, and/or painting the components for example.

While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with thespecific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of thepresent disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative,not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure, as required by the followingclaims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the presentdisclosure and should not be limited to the specific examples providedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable hitch comprising: a hitch body; amount; and a coupling assembly coupled to the hitch body and the mount,wherein the mount transitions in a non-linear path between a firstposition and a second position with respect to the hitch body.